Legacy Scholars program opens doors

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A program is helping graduates of Battle Creek high schools do something they might never have been able to afford to do--go to college.

Jade Bolden, Destiny Johnson and Kynadi Gray are all getting ready to graduate from Battle Creek Central High School.

All three, with help from a program, called Legacy Scholars, are going to Kellogg Community College this fall.

"I didn't get any financial aid money, and college would have been extremely expensive," said Kynadi Gray. "We simply couldn't have afforded to do it. Legacy Scholars gave me an opportunity to go to college."

Legacy Scholars coordinator Beth Luckock said the program started in 2005, with a $4 million endowment.

It's since doubled.

The money pays for one to two years of tuition, books and mandatory fees at KCC for eligible Battle Creek Central and Lakeview High School graudates.

The exact amount a student receives depends on how long he or she was in the district.

This year's seniors are the first class eligible to use the money.

Luckock said about 500 students were eligible, and a little more than 200 are taking advantage.

"They not only know college is a guarantee, and they can go," she said. "And it's paid for."

The girls are already looking beyond KCC.

"I want to go into law. I'll probably be pre-law at Howard, then take the LSAT, then get into law school somewhere," one said. "I want to be a judge."